Shimla Sees Second Snowfall of the Season, Attracting Tourists
Shimla Enjoys Second Light Snowfall, Boosting Tourism and Festive Spirit
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, witnessed its second light snowfall of the season on Monday, bringing joy to both tourists and locals. Bundled up in warm clothing, residents stepped outside to enjoy the gentle snowflakes under cloudy skies, while chilly winds added to the wintry atmosphere. Tourist hotspots like The Ridge and Mall Road were lively with visitors soaking in the snow-draped scenery.
Snowfall Brings Hope to Apple Growers and Tourism Industry
The local weather department confirmed snowfall in higher-altitude regions such as Kharapathar and Chanshal, along with popular tourist destinations like Kufri and Narkanda. Referred to as “white manure,” the snowfall is expected to boost apple production—vital to the state’s INR 5,000 crore apple economy—raising hopes among farmers in the upper Shimla region.
Surge in Tourist Arrivals with Christmas Around the Corner
Snowfall ahead of the Christmas season has sparked a surge in tourist activity, with hotel occupancy rates expected to climb sharply. Local hotel owners like Sushant Nag and Rahul Chawla are predicting a 50% rise in tourist inflow. Strong bookings for Christmas and considerable advance reservations for New Year’s festivities further emphasize the tourism upswing.
Lower Hill Areas Struggle with Cold Wave Conditions
While snowfall has bolstered tourism in upper regions, lower hill districts like Una, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Mandi continue to face cold wave conditions, with Sundernagar among the coldest spots. Areas like Sumdo, Kalpa, and Tabo experienced sub-zero temperatures, with Tabo recording the lowest at minus 10.6°C. An orange alert has been issued by the meteorological department until Thursday, warning of intense cold and thick fog in several areas.
Manali Snowfall Causes Traffic Chaos; Police Aid Tourists
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall in Manali triggered major traffic snarls, stranding around 1,000 vehicles between Solang and the Atal Tunnel. Police conducted rescue missions and helped ensure the safety of approximately 700 tourists. A widely shared video showed a police officer boosting driver morale and offering instructions to ease the congestion.
Tourists Captivated by Magical Snow Experience
Tourists expressed amazement and delight at the unexpected snowfall. One visitor shared, “It’s my first time experiencing snowfall, and it’s something I’ll never forget.” Another called it a breathtaking brush with nature, urging others to come and experience the snow for themselves.
Himachal’s Winter Wonderland Continues to Enchant
Many tourists are extending their stay to enjoy the wintry landscape, adding to the festive spirit in Shimla and nearby areas. Himachal Pradesh remains a captivating winter retreat, where the snowfall continues to both enchant and challenge the region.